The latest Gabby Petito documentary uncovers important police shortcomings, notably highlighting the inaction of a feminine officer. Inside Netflix’s American Homicide: Gabby Petito, the portrayal of the feminine officer feels extra like that of a bystander than an advocate. She failed to acknowledge Petito’s evident misery, by no means as soon as asking, “Are you protected?”, thereby upholding a flawed system that finally let the sufferer down.
For individuals who have diligently adopted this tragic case, the physique cam footage featured within the documentary gives a heartbreaking glimpse into the occasions. Witnesses had reported seeing Brian Laundrie putting and slapping Petito, but by the point police arrived, it was Laundrie who appeared calm and composed, whereas Petito was visibly shaken, crying, and distressed. Regardless of these clear indicators, the responding officers, together with the feminine officer, leaned in the direction of viewing Laundrie because the sufferer as an alternative.
Even after witnessing Laundrie’s erratic driving and his refusal to drag over, the officers allowed him to go with out issuing any citations or questioning the report of his aggressive conduct. They uncared for to contemplate the implications of a frightened, remoted younger lady concerned in a doubtlessly abusive relationship. Essentially the most evident oversight? Not a single officer, feminine or male, thought to ask Petito if she felt protected.
A Lady in Uniform Who Didn’t Act
This critique isn’t about claiming {that a} lady in uniform should at all times aspect with feminine victims; moderately, it stresses the important expectation that she ought to acknowledge indicators of misery and advocate for an intensive investigation. As a substitute, this officer took on a passive position, appearing extra like a complicit follower than an engaged participant within the state of affairs.
At one level through the documentary, the feminine officer states, “I’d moderately do one thing and nothing come out of it than do nothing and one thing does occur.” Whereas that sentiment might have been empowering if aimed toward safeguarding Petito, she was really referring to the potential arrest of Petito for home violence.
This side is especially maddening—had Petito been arrested that day, she might have acquired a no-contact order, maintaining her away from Laundrie. She might have been capable of attain out for assist, and maybe she would nonetheless be alive at this time. As a substitute, the officers permitted Laundrie to go away with a resort reservation whereas Petito was left behind in a van, alone, distressed, and fearful.
The Unasked Questions That May Have Saved Gabby Petito
Whereas observing the whole physique cam footage, it’s surprising to witness the minimal effort made to gauge the real hazard current on this state of affairs. At one level, Petito confesses to slapping Laundrie’s arm, but it took greater than 45 minutes for an officer to lastly ask, “If you slapped Brian, what have been you making an attempt to do?” Earlier than this query, the main target was on doubtlessly arresting her for felony home violence.
That single query shifted the narrative. It revealed that her intention was to make Laundrie cease the automobile for the police. This could have been a pivotal second for the officers to reevaluate their assumptions. Regrettably, they remained fixated on de-escalating the state of affairs as an alternative of conducting a correct investigation.
Once more, the feminine officer held her tongue, failing to intervene and redirect the main target of the dialog. Whereas each officer concerned contributed to this tragic oversight, the frustration is even larger upon witnessing a feminine officer miss the chance to make a distinction. When a lady steps into regulation enforcement, it usually brings hope; the fact of this case, nonetheless, leaves one feeling much more disheartened.
A Cop’s Obligation to Defend and This Cop Failed
For girls getting into regulation enforcement, understanding the burden their presence carries is essential. Feminine officers can advocate for victims in ways in which their male counterparts would possibly overlook, merely based mostly on shared experiences. This doesn’t imply routinely siding with one other lady, nevertheless it does necessitate listening, recognizing indicators of misery, and guaranteeing applicable questions are posed.
Sadly, that was absent on this state of affairs.
Gabby Petito was not a mere sufferer of circumstance; she was actively let down by these sworn to guard her. Whereas male officers are rightfully below hearth for his or her failures, it’s disheartening to see a feminine officer play a component on this collective negligence by remaining passive.
The documentary serves as a stark reminder that Gabby Petito deserved higher safety from regulation enforcement. She warranted officers who would take her considerations severely and, on the very least, a feminine officer who might ask the important query which may have modified all the pieces: Are you okay?
